i'm not sure i'm entirely qualified to talk about marriage. but my inexperience in relationships is not the region the marriage law should not hear new national campaign. as young people, wouldn't we support the relevant curriculum giving vocational training had a fair wage we get our first up? for better access to buses and trains to allow us to get to school and work? i'd rather be well-informed, well trained, well paid her well-traveled than well, married. and i am not alone. according to the office of national statistics, the number of under 20s getting married represents less than half a percent of all marriages in "the sunday times" in the annual number of marriages is at the lowest for over 100 years. someone once said of the state

temporary insanity. without sounding too sappy, love doesn't need a cure. love is about marriage. it is marriage that is immoral without love. perhaps we should be focusing on reducing the uk's high divorce rate rather than promoting marriage. the coalition for equal marriage is love is love regardless of gender. well, i would add that love is love regardless of marital status. and while the majority of us, almost all of us absolutely believe in marriage for all his rate and yes, compared to some countries can bush legalize same-sex marriage some years ago, i note that the u.k. has been slow to act. if things are rapidly changing. the huge success of civil partnerships recognized commitment to same-sex couples has been a capitalist for this change.

david cameron has pledged to legalize same-sex civil marriages by 2015. abdallah before marriage will be introduced here in this chamber in a 10 minute speech. i accept this as a plot to talk about such an important issue, but it's longer than i've got. i'm at the parliament or a cynical access marriage, there is a danger that any campaign will be overtaken by the legal change we seek. i conclude we have three main priorities. quality, quality, the national campaign will not provide the equality we required. more importantly, more relevantly, where presently, ajit people seeking to make a positive contribution to society a fair access to education, employment and =tranfour and

indeed discrimination is the real challenge we face. let's let them give us the opportunities they deserve. [applause] >> jack, thank you bring much indeed for the beach. i am looking for a contributor from the east midlands. whoever thought? please, welcome. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i agree with my fellow same-sex marriage is an highly important issue and is widely spoken about as at present the case it would be one of our debates today. however, i feel it is a nonpowered young people can agree. many kids in my constituency when i consorted them said yes it is the highest important topic. but when i went back to front of this county said they would want to see campaign. that shows that it was at the

moment something being done about it. the mission of the government are saying in part of their manifestoes they want is to have been by 2015. i feel there is a more important issue in the debate last. they restarted their curriculum and now isn't the right time to look at same-sex marriage. thank you. [applause] >> food for thought for the east of england? yes, gentlemen from east of of england. thank you. >> i am part of a society that equal. as a matter if you're gay chemistry, man, woman, christian, muslim. however, there's a hurdle. it may just of them a safe language, but i believe passionately that the language is important. the weblog.

if we want to encourage marriage to be important, which i believe it should, we need to have everyone regardless whether you're gay first-rate. thank you. [applause] >> colleagues, my record show we've not yet heard from him and from yorkshire and humberside. that man is not itching to address them forward to hearing from you, sir. >> leon cotler from north york shire. we are facing the campaign, not the issue. equal marriage is very topical minis. i wonder why. this is because during those of organization of bringing to the forefront. so i ask you then, do we follow the crowd?

re: innovative for duplicate this? we are ukyp and we are unique and that is why you should vote for some canals. [applause] >> who have what god wanting to speak from london? can i take a young woman there. you're about to hop you were so enthusiastic. >> surgeon of the. everyone is the world and that's the way things should be. however, there is too many different controversies can gain this issue. there's too many different more reasons and to many religious freedom but not everyone is going to agree on. or not to debate about what's writer with strong. we have to debate on what is more important for young people, for us.

i'm not going to be getting married now because it doesn't concern me, but this debate is about the adult and that's what the adult and should be debating, not us. we are people are representing young people in a constituency. the quality of us with this motion is sent. thank you. [applause] >> okay, who have we got from wales? now, what about the women with the green dress. >> and alex hopkins. this is quite important, but more for the older generation because it concerns them. if you want to get married at 16, you can get a civil partnership. but is it really a main issue for us young people?

how can that really extends to marriage? if we were older sitting here, it would be about the same issue, then yes the good. thank you. [applause] >> we've still yet to hear from a man and a woman from northern ireland. committee so? >> norlin government. it is essential marriages in our u.k. parliament of the manifesto appeared via? because u.k. youth parliament should stand up as a beacon for democracy. we should strive for quality of same-sex marriages. some of the medical system, but ultimately i believe in the 21st century members of the

lgbt community should not be scared to be fair across the u.k. no matter where you're from, london, northern ireland, scotland. there is gay people. but where's your brother, sister, friend, we need to represent the young people who battle with their orientation. i'd u.k. youth parliament, let's change society together and let's change it now. [applause] >> sewickley graduates to see from the west midlands? okay, thank you. >> everyone's talking about the generation and how they should be the ones talking about this, but we're going to grow up. will affect us in some way anyway. so if this possibility more accepted in nairobi last time

and so teenagers will be happy knowing that they are older they are not going to be discriminated against because it's expected and they'll be able to know they're going to be able to marry and be who they want to be. so if you pass a, it will affect everyone really. [applause] >> what about the northeast of england? hubley got from in the northeast? what about the gentlemen here? thank you. >> referred -- this is a very sensitive issue, but it initiate has to be addressed. we've heard today we don't have people behind, transport was one of them. the posterity of political parties process with the opportunity. we need to nurture that opportunity. we need to go forward. we need to stand together in

britain, a country that is a steep increase in across the world. we must stand together and take to change for tomorrow. we need to represent today's generation that will be tumorous generation of this getting married. thank you. [applause] >> what about the northwest? who gets here from the northwest? what about the young woman with the white jacket looking around. >> i am from roxio. i believe it's an issue and it is quite extensive piece they appear you were to get married any dignified your house, how would you cope living on a wager fewer 16 to 18? i mean, if it does being produced like the opposition says, should we introduce a new campaign? thank you.

[applause] okay, we'll take another speaker. but about this gentleman on the front bench below the game boy sp call it. >> well, first of all -- sorry. [inaudible] >> okay, first of all, i along with them sure the majority of young people across the u.k. believe everyone has the right to equal marriage. if two people want to express their love for each other, they should be able to do so in a way that they can. no matter what their sex. however, promised a million million unemployed young people, is equal marriage really the issue the parliament wants to campaign on? as was previously mentioned, only 0.1% of u.k. marriages take

place below the age of 20. if we were to adopt this campaign, would be campaigning on an issue that affects the majority of adult, but very few young people. in addition to this, you can only get married after your 16th birthday. so if we adopted this motion, we would instantly be excluded on the 11th 15-year-old in which we dutifully represent. [applause] and i myself is a 15-year-old would find that incredible insult. so, if you believe in equal marriage, but you think there are more important issues to campaign on, such as our education, such as their future and such is our opportunities in the world of work and getting to school on time, please do not vote for this issue. thank you.

[applause] >> what about the east midlands? who have we got from east midlands who wishes to contribute? indeed. >> natalie robinson from nottingham. i think gay marriage is such a crucial issue. in my constituency, a lot of people would agree with that. however, i think not so much of a national issue should be made of this. people should focus on a regional level and i challenge my fellow ukyp members to go to their local areas and campaign against this. thank you eric [applause] >> what about southeast? who have wycoff in the southeast? you should easiest and from the

southeast. thank you. >> graininess kate dublin from faulkner. we're trying to represent young people here and i'm starting to think this constituency doesn't think this would represent all young people. we are saying that people may not like it. so what does pass, people can still discriminate, even if it's not nice camaro is going to get this people that are very heterosexual. so you should not pass this notion if you think people are going to accept it because at the end the day, not everyone is always going to be happy. [applause] >> fabric of a young man from wales? yes, what about the chap sleeping there is to be with ponytail? >> terry jackson. the quality.

can you please put your hands up if you believe in equality? how is that if two men want to get married go to a church agip refused, while two people who are street get married you quote? that's all. [applause] >> thank you. i'm trying to see if there's an underrepresented region. every region has contributed so far. so the young woman with blond hair. >> thank you, mr. speaker. emily carter. i believe marriage for all should be the main priority for next year. i believe it is important for our society to allow this to become reality. i have an incredible amount of people to communicate. the uk's parliament tried to make me reach for a reality it's an important thing for the people future.

young people want to marry whoever they want regardless of gender. this is key for the future in some you should be brought into the light to allow them to have a free choice. we are allowing marriage our change and hope she people's lives. i've been a priority to do exactly that. why is it as a culture we are comfortable seeing two men holding guns than two men holding hands? [applause] >> how big a young man from the west midlands? please. >> thank you, mr. speaker. can i just first say your shoes have caught my eye. [laughter] i may be taking them back with me. earlier this week, the youth cabinet organized a debate

evening and wednesday this week and there were a few issues raised by support. number one is the religion has totally for ben for gay people to get married. second of all we have others who did mention earlier about equal opportunity that every person has the right to get married regardless of whether they are male or female. the last plane like to make it say what this young person who can say to to me they shouldn't have been voted for the make your mark ballot. instead it should have been young people and the police, which is by far more important. thank you. [applause] >> and i'm not just to say because they see a small number of people standing up who have spoken before and i welcome your

csm, but in fairness to people who haven't had a chance to speak, i need to be looking for those who have not spoken before the debate. the woman in the back row. yes, it is you. >> i am representing. it is love, care and dedication between two people. if those two people know they love each other, is it unfair to say they need to have it written on paper and writing on paper for his love more important. there are other issues were important we are facing which need to be addressed. please do not vote although i agree it's a sensitive issue, it is not one that must be chosen. they must be looking at issues. thank you. pop back >> okay, what about this young man here.

>> i am 13 myself. i do not believe that anybody my age -- >> could you start fresh with name and region. >> sorry. myself i would not like to be bombarded by saying you could be married, blah, blah. these are when you're older, 16, 17, 18. people are very sensitive and i'm not saying that gay, nothing like that. nothing bad about that. when you want to be married, you don't need a piece of paper for love. love is something you can enjoy with anybody. i love everybody here, you're all my friends, that sort of thing. you can love whoever you would

like. [applause] it does not matter whether you have a piece of paper that says ball, blah, blah. it does not matter at all whether you married women or men. this way i would love you not to vote this is our issue for this year. thank you. [applause] >> will put out? were running out of time. whoever got from london? young woman in the patent top. indeed. >> shirley's members the uk's parliament we should be fighting to concurrently say we do not discriminate when it comes to our definition of equality and who would toss. thank you. [applause] >> will take a couple more. let me see, who've we got quite certain that the young man at the back of the metal?

[inaudible] we are all human beings and it shouldn't matter if you are street or something. it makes the young people and older generations listen and may improve that. thank you. [applause] >> okay, this young man here. spin that my name kate maas in the southeast. we've all talked about how it's an important issue for when we are older and i'm so pleased somebody has pointed out for a number of people where the future. we will be older soon, so it is an issue that affects us. there's so much i can talk about on this topic, so i'm going to try and keep it quite short. we talked about the community. might i point out the end of

that comment the tea part, the often silent portion of what you want to call it. if a person is married before the legally change their gender to some of the biological sex unfairness of a partnership to summit of the same biological sex, they are required to legally dissolve their marriage or civil partnership before they're allowed to change the gender. can i just say how this is a perfect example why whether we call it a civil partnership. we don't want to exclude anybody. we're talking about equality. why can't we think and include everybody and don't be about anyone in silence? [applause] >> i'm sorry, there's huge

demand, blueprints that the overt. i really must now call to include the debate from northern ireland, mr. jack mckeon. [cheers and applause] >> thank you for your kind words, mr. speaker and of course it's appreciated. members of the parliament together collected over 250,000 ballot papers. [cheers and applause] marriage for all of the species from young people feel strongly about typepad and open, honest, frank and dignified debate here today and i think that is a tribute to young people about how we cannot decide or youth voice. we've had loads and the law.

today, members have been saint equal marriage means equal rights for equal opportunities. surely we must highlight the changes needed in the marital law in a truly inclusive society. whether you are gay, not or should you have to enter a battle between your romance and the states. ms. morley report and that in britain today, inclusion has been left behind and racial and religious inclusion has come so far. however, members have rightly asked, could it be a successful campaign? youth parliament have gone through the trial and tribulations of this process already, and i think we should commend him on not. [applause]

also, the government by 2015 insure that is a pledge no party will want to break. furthermore, the bill previously mentioned shows there will be a reality soon, so why can't aim for a full year next year when they can focus on the vital practical issues? transport, education, work from the members parliament. should we not try and entice young people's lives in the depths of economic uncertainty and educational and people, we must contribute to the express solution of our problems. we cannot endanger the young people of today are becoming a generation of the past. i want you to think the national campaign for next year. are you an mip part to calida your virtue? thank you.

[cheers and applause] >> thank you indeed for that speech. that includes the morning session were sitting. the youth parliament will now adjourn until 1:30 p.m. and i invite all of you here present now to return to westminster hall for lunch. thank you very much indeed. [applause] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations]

[inaudible conversations] stimac [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations]

>> please, take your seats. while i hope you're fortified by lunch at this afternoon's preceding their as good as those are slowing economy will have done outstandingly well. order, order previous parliament will consider the fourth motion of today, relating to an equal national minimum wage for all s. printed on the order paper. to move the motion, i call from the east midlands, mr. martin burnham. [cheers and applause] >> thank you, mr. speaker. i have a friend in my

constituency who works in a shop stacking shelves on saturday. he gets paid three pounds 68 an hour. yes there's also an over 21 who works in exactly the same shop getting paid six pounds 19 an hour. bear in mind is the exactly same job. is it fair? is it equal? is that right? ..

who are they to put a price on our equality? who are they to tell people that because of the date of your birth you cannot away as much doing the same job as another person, an older person. that's not fair. that's not equal. that is not right. i used to subscribe to the view that having an equal minimum wage for all, with hundreds of more young people being unemployed, but you know what? i was wrong. the european commission found that increasing the minimum wage did not caught off job officers. it decreases the number of people living in poverty and increases the well-being of the earner. that would be fairer. that would be equal and that would be right.

there are 3.5 million young people living in poverty in this country. that's 33% of young people. that's nearly 100 of us here. these children do not cause the current problems, and they do not deserve to suffer for it. the government tries to bring all 3.5 million of them out of poverty by 2020. having an equal national minimum wage would help these children, give them that much more to support their families with. these are the ones who most deserve our help, and they do not deserve to suffer. as nyps, we can change this. we must support young people for the sake of those 3.5 million. we must make it fairer, equal, and make this right. i urge you, my fellow nyp's, remained the world we will be treated fairly and equally and we will be treated in a way

which is right. cast your vote for equal national minimum wage for all. [cheers and applause] >> martin, thank you for that speech of proposition. to oppose the motion i call from yorkshire, mechesboo. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i never thought my live tv debut would be me trying to talk young people out of this. looking back on it this morning we seem to be seeing a good campaign issue principlely, so voting yes for equal minimum wage should only be voted for -- at the moment we find that young people are being paid less than

others doing the same job. that's unfair. but what we also see are many other instances where young people are again being treated unfairly in the work place. we see youngsters with factory jobs not being paid on time, but finding their meche older colleague has. we see employees saying, we're not going to give you a job without experience when, of course, you can't get experience with a job in the first place. what we see are the first status age discrimination. but if we think carefully about it. the unequal minimum wage is similar to the symptom of this wider problem. does not go far enough to solve it. if we don't challenge this problem, it will keep reappearing in different ways. it will keep popping up like the facebook statuses, or depressing lyrics. so if you are not in favor of

age discrimination, on principle, i suggest you don't vote for this campaign issue. now i'm going to talk practically. the second problem with campaigning for equal minimum wage is that it assumes jobs, regardless of how meaningless are dull, or in abundance for young people. only five of us can be in one direction, they just are not. okay, i see that 62 billion people have got a job in the last quarter. but these figures are the result of wages not rising with inflation. what is actually happening is employees are paid less to avoid being hugely in debt. if we make it even more unprofitable for companies to help, then, mr. speaker, they just won't have it. they'll keep their profits.

the minimum wage has broken britain. we are living in broke britain. a vote for this will not get us any closer to 6-pound 90 an hour or give anyone a living wage of 7-pound 20 an hour either. what we'll get is a most depressing case that would have remained -- what have i told you today? i have told you to be practical and to be principled. you can't use the core message. so the main issue is in culture, and even if we wanted to, we are left with one option. vote no to an equal minimum wage. [applause] >> thank you very much for that contribution. have we got anyone wanting to speak from northern ireland?

>> yes, sir. >> my name is oliver. i am from belfast. i feel that we need to remember -- well, i feel i need to say two things about the minimum wage in proposing it. firstly, it is so low that it actually acts as a disincentive for young people to work. this youth unemployment which stands at 20% and actually long-time unemployment because the work ethic isn't there in young people who perhaps won't work at minimum wage because the work wasn't there to begin with. it also discriminates unfairly against those from a lower socioeconomic background, as these people are more likely to work at a young age motion likely to work fulltime at a younger age and more likely to work at university trying to get themselves through, and being paid a lower wage in that

respect. because i'm so annoyed at this issue, i have started a petition to have the minimum wage raised which i would urge everyone to have a look at and would rather to be on the campaign because i feel it's something we need to look at and something we can do to a reasonable level. [applause] >> thank you. do we have anybody from wales? who have we got from wales? the young woman in the red jacket. >> sorry? [inaudible] >> you've already spoken. very honest of you. [applause] >> thank you. >> my names is matthew ingram from wales. the vast majority of young people rely on their guardians or the state to provide them with a basic standard of living.

consequently, any money they bring in, is used to provide an income which can be used to buy things which aren't necessary. a disposable income. if these things aren't necessary, then why in a time of economic hardship, we're basing the national minimum wage could lead to the loss or jobs are pre we proposing this amount. thank you. i'd now like to call holly gibbons from the east midland. holly, i think you have a lapel mic. you're raring to go. let's hear you. >> i don't think it's fair that 16-year-olds can do exactly the same job for exactly he same hours and this economic climate, yet they get paid less than an 18-year-old or 21-year-old. how is that fair? and if young people say we don't

agree with it, then we can change it. [applause] >> thank you. >> now, i'm told that the scottish delegate whom we have here is keen to speak in this debate, and should have the chance to do so. please. >> lori dawson from scotland. races your -- raise your hand if you think -- obviously should be representing all of britain. thank you. >> what is the representing youth at the second house? scotland, i feel, has already represented most of the issues we have already talked about. equal marriage. we have won awards on our campaign. we already have the curtain for life, petition transport, and we already have at least one work

at an area of our union chose. what our campaign currently is called one fair wage, an equal wage for all. my friend andrew writes, he trains people and because he is under 21, the people he trains make more money than him. is that fair? if we did -- if we vote for this dish urge you to vote for this, because if we did this, it would be a stronger and fairer campaign, which is already on the road to success. [applause] >> thank you very much indeed. who have we got from the southeast? yes, this gentleman. you've been trying a number of times. your patience is rewarded, sir. >> solomon, nyp for hastings. thank you mr. speaker. over 100 years ago, gentleman stood at this spot, called

benjamin disisrael, and it's really important that when everybody talked about somebody being of a certain age and not earning the same as an older person, that we endorse that. i think it's really important we support this notion but at the same time i don't understand why it's a minimum wage and not a living wage. i think people should be earning enough for them to live. and people -- nyps talk about how it will damage our economy or job losses. no. what would damage our economy is giving 40,000 pounds to the richest people in the country, a cut in benefits for single parents and squeezing the lower middle income people in this country. so i think actually, a lot of people suffered in 1998 that

the -- people threatened in 1998 that the manipulate wage would ruin our economy, and today it's actually the strongest policy we have introduced in britain. >> thank you very much indeed. now, who have we got from the northwest? we have -- you are from the northwest? >> yes. >> you are. good. just before you speak, i just spotted the entrance of the honorable member from wales. thank you for coming to support the uk youth parliament. >> i am representing the northwest. at the age of 16 we have to pay full prices for books, clothes, and other services. so why are we expected to have a lower minimum wage than those of our adult coworkers? yet we're still expected to pay the same prices for things, despite what we have in our figures. what is the justification for us

to -- what is the justification to pay us less? why are we expected -- are we expected to work less? to be less productive? no, we're not. then young people's minimum wage is discrimination. [applause] >> who have we got from the southwest of england? the southwest. the woman who is the second from the end. i.e. slightly nearer me. you are looking around. >> from north so many areset southwest. >> companies are out to make money. this is a fact. we know this. the truth is that many companies who see the young people they employ as a liability. for example, many young people who work in supermarkets come up in -- many young people under the age of 18 who work in any sort of environment cannot work

for some types of heavy machinery. if we put this as our national campaign for this year, it's unrealistic to think we of the youth parliament can make such a great influence on government legislation which have such huge opposition from larger companies. it's not realistic we can make a change in one year so we should focus on something which we can change, which is bettering our criminal almost -- better rur curriculum. [applause] >> who wave we got from the west midlands? you at the end. thank you. >> i'd like you all to raise your hands if you have an -- -- she gets paid five pounds.

an older sister who is two years older gets paid seven pounds. how is that fair? >> who have we got from london? the chap there with the white shirt. yes, indeed, you, sir. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i'm john from london. i'd like to echo the other young people who said the minimum wage does create unemployment. it also creates unemployment for both small companies who can't afford to carry on the cost to their customers. however, the big companies can simply raise their prices and cover it. now, do we want higher prices? how is that going to help poor people? [applause] >> who have we got from yorkshire? yes, please. >> as time continues we need more and more things in life.

for example, mortgage. if you want a mortgage you want to have a house or flat where you can live unless you can pay for it directly. how realistic is that? we need more and more as we grow up. we need more and more things. we progress in life, but the fact of the matter is, with an equal minimum wage when you're 16 compared to if you were 20, when you mild have a child and might pay your first mortgage, how is it fair to limit them to that price because they have more things to pay for? less thing to spend on luxury items. [applause] >> what about delegates from the northeast. the northeast. right. okay. go. we'll hear from you. >> this is 20 years ago the

national minimum wage was unrealistic, this seems unrealistic at this time put i believe welcome achieve this. i am a 21-year-old. [applause] >> now, who have we got from the east midlands? the east midlands. >> my name is alex. i know all of you want equal minimum wage but i'd like equal minimum wage, too, but what happens about the tax, older generation pays over 18. thank you. [applause] >> okay. have we got -- who have we got from london? anybody from london? yes. okay. this young man, adopted the noble technique of waving at me, not with one wand but with two. >> first of all, thank you-mr. speaker, i represent the

london. i ask you a question. do we live in the united kingdom? yes. [laughter] >> no not a difficult question. but are we a united people? unfortunately, no. we are divided by something we can't help, our age. we can't help when we were born. we didn't ask if we could be two years older or maybe two years younger. so how is it fair that we have people say to you, no, you can't earn more. you've got to earn less because you're merely two years younger. so i believe that we should adopt this motion and we should use it as our national campaign next year. we will then be a united people, and together we can stand shoulder-to-shoulder and we'll be a united young people, united young people or united old people, rather, and a united

nation. so, please, adopt this motion for next year's campaign and support a national minimum wage for allful thank you. [applause] >> okay, i'm looking at the balance again and i can do with a female speaker from yorkshire. have we got such? yes. >> thank you. although i completely agree with what the main argument is, i would appreciate same minimum wage. i that one thing to consider is we represent young people from age 11 to 18, and i think we have to really consider whether that is the main and one of the most pressing issues that all young people, majority at least, face in their day-to-day lives and i think it really is. education or transport is something people face on a regular basis over that age

range. [applause] >> from the east of england? this double handed technique. people in the gallery will notice it now taking off big-time. >> i'm 17. there's someone who is 21. my name is ann marie and i'm from the east of england. i thought those clothes better than hers, and i saw those clothes with energy. and i get less? this is unfair. unassetable there's a difference in minimum wage and not a difference in the skills of youth. the minimum wage is 21 years and older went up by 11p but for 16 to 18 it stayed the same. is this snare this is up acceptable. this is a campaign, there needs to be a change.

thank you. [applause] >> who have we got from the northwest? the northwest. massive troop of people from the northwest. have you all not spoken before? okay. what about the guy at the end? yes. right at the end with the gray suit. >> i'm daniel and i'm from the northwest. minimum wage isn't the be all end all of wages. [inaudible] young people we don't have much experience, massive unemployed people from all ages. they've got more advantage than us. we have to pay -- [inaudible] >> we have to can useoo that to our advantage. thank you.

>> okay. the young woman in the corner of the chamber. with flowers in her hair, leapt to her feet and has been striving regularly to contribute. now you can be heard. >> i'm from the southwest of england. we can clearly see this 16-pound -- 6-pound and 19 pounds is for 21 and over and that -- [inaudible] -- won't get to 96 if you're under the age of 21 but you pay tax under the age of 21, don't you? where is that fair or right? [applause] >> have we got any men from the west midlands? men from the west midlands? no? suddenly discovered they're from the west midlands. please.

>> thank you. equal and national minimum wage is important because it is unfair that those young people who work as hard as they do, they get paid as children. so when they are working, they're considered as -- and given their work load which is equivalent to another. but when they're paid, they're paid as children. this is not fair. let's vote on this and in the future we can have adult becames. -- adult wages. >> i believe there are three people from german faces who might be wishing to contribute. from german bases and i'd like one of them to do so. the young woman indeed. >> thank you, mr. speaker. my name is -- i'm from the awn germany. discrimination is something which no one stow -- deserves.

what is the equality when young person does note get paid as much as an adult. this treatmentes unjust. we as young people need to fight and stand up for our rights and demand that we introduce an equal national minimum wage for all. [applause] >> okay, we are getting towards our end. i think we've got time for another speaker from wales or scotland. wales? who wishes to speak from wales. the gentleman there with curly hair. yes. thank you. >> i'm ben hopkins. i'm from argentine south wales. now, i understand that there are other issues we have been talking about today that some people perceive as even more important than the national minimum wage. for example, education, employment, but i ask you, members of the youth parliament.

what are we before employees? before apprentices? we are people. we are human beings. we are all human beings. no matter what age, be we 18 or 38. don't we all then deserve the same minimum wage? because how can we solve problems that require -- how do we sort out problems to do with citizens of the uk. when we can't sort out issues that have to do with human beings. thank you very much. >> how about hearing from a woman from the southeast. who have we got some you have tried several times. please. >> from south totingham, sir we look up in disgunfight and disbelief at discrimination. the u.s. after the civil war,

racism. britain in the 180000s, sexism. it wasn't until someone had the initiative to stand up and say, this is wrong, that discrimination was overcome the black civil rights movement for my first example and the suffrage yet movement as my second. but we're still discriminating. at the time, the phrase, equality for all -- it's ridiculous with the age discrimination regarding minimum wage in order to increase the quality in our democracy the manipulate wage needs to be standard figure for all. the thought that young people are below their infear you're colleagues and less deserving of a higher wage is outdated, ewan equal. we need to fight for civil liberties for all young people, and with that comes minimum wage

for all and for that reason it should be our national campaign. [applause] >> thank you. i'm sorry. we have to wind up the debate because we have reached our allotted time. i just want before i call -- to welcome the honorable gentlemen, colonel stewart, who entered the chamber at the back. [applause] >> bob, thank you for your support for the uk youth parliament. now i'd like to ask to conclude the debate from scotland, mr. reardon fortune to wind up the debate. [applause] >> thank you, mr. speaker. i would first like to extend my sympathies to the scottish parliament members who can't be with here today. so here i am.

>> we just heard fromsome fantastic points for and against but a few stand out in my mind. this is right that someone of our age, doing the exact same amount of work and the exact same profession can legally be paid substantially less than someone in their 30s? it is unacceptable when it's aged toward young people. will minimum wage help young people or aggravate youth unemployment. as we all know, 16 and 17-year-olds receive minimum wage. 18 and 17-year-olds receive more and anyone over 21 receive more. are we to take from this the government believes the 18 and 17-year-olds to be less hard working or 16 and 17 years are less hard working. i should hope not. it's also cuttinged the more people are paid, less will take off work ask the harder they will work. surely this can only benefit the economy. however after experiencing a

double-digit recession, is it ready for a minimum wage? though we may care about our situation we bring more financial burdens for small businesses than they have seen in many decades. so the question is, is this campaign viable? i say, yes. it's got the cheer parliament campaigning on this very issue, and it is about young and old alike. many countries are all hugely supportive of this campaign. this, if nothing else, proves the scots are a bit -- this campaign could be very successful with we strike while the iron is hot. but making this our campaign are we not using this for our own? [inaudible] it is a tough decision but one

we must be sure to get through. [applause] >> reardon, thank you for that very serious and respected wipedup. much appreciated. colleagues, we now need to move to the fifth and last motion to be considered today and it relates to are curriculum to prepare for life, as printed on the order papers. to move the motion, i call miss samaia terin. >> thank you, mr. speaker. politics, relationships awareness, finances bills, sustainable living. what do they mean to you? if you know, that's great. if and you don't, why don't you know? is its something to do with the

fact it's not part of the national curriculum? i'm sure you agree that britain has one of the fineest education systems in the world. the biggest hurdle is the end of our career. then we become 16, 17, 18, and we enter the real world. we gain the right for the national minimum wage, the right to legal right to vote at 18. we start socializing with people outside of the school and college gates. but when and how did we learn the skills necessary to equip us for these important parts of our lives? people go through lots of questions. questions that need answers. there's a guy in stockholm at the local cafe at lunchtime. apparently starving himself.

what does it mean when i say i'm dating someone? what commitment. what impact did having a baby on my life? how die get through? what path and, most importantly, what is my favorite chocolate bar go from 15p, and now 17p. [applause] >> the questions that need answer. the guy is who starving himself isn't. the is observing the holy month of ramadan. and chocolate is probably more expensive now. there are financial education schemes available but not for the whole of the uk population. there are incentives but they're only available for some and not

for all. there's some of the people in this country are fortunate to have access to political knowledge through their teaching but again that's only some. if we live in the same country, we have the same rights, should we not have access to the same teaching? this needs to be the campaign for the uk youth parliament. it needs to be a -- not our mothers or fathers or teachers or councils or lords or mps, it's our future so we should be involved. the government of this country has agreed to the u.n., when it will involve young people in making decisions that affect them and their lives. october 2011, the a century ray ray-survey was conducted and the result shows 78% only -- young people feel they've never been consulted. that's only one-fifth, justifies

owe a fifth of people that have in a country that prides itself and promotes equal rights for all. this isn't right. the has been a similar campaign for this in the past. sexual relationship, education, was nearly made compulsory and it was very nearly the law. unfortunately due to the general elections it was dropped. we have done this once before, and we can do it again, but this time, we can make it a reality in schools and as a part of the national curriculum, not a script to be followed but lessons to be learned for life. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> thank you. for that speech of proposition. got us off to a contributing start. now to oppose the proposition, i call natasha brown. >> thank you, mr. speaker. a curriculum for life is not the

motion this year. there are many life lessons to benefit from. for different generations. sense of social duty, raise a family and manage our debt. the question is who should teach them? and our answer? not teachers. the responsibility and privilege of providing the facts of life rests within our family, parents and communities. to help insurgent tour -- insurgent tour -- nurture us. we learn about life by living it. not the teacher questioning us and talking about hypothetical situations in textbooks. i think this motion raises the assumes that a curriculum for life can be designed for somebody in westminster. i think it is the state outreaching its mandate. the motion is potentially danger and is not there to parent a

child. [inaudible] wouldn't have a clue what i was talking about. the world is changing, and running this now would become outdated before it begins. a curriculum for life is a good idea in theory. but the association idea and central knowledge is extremely questionable. we need life lessons. more to produce confident, capable young people with the ability to cooperate with others. needs to be local. perhaps -- the current curriculum, told what to think and -- not how to thick. do we really want the government to dictate and structure a guide for life?

some people suggest that a curriculum for life helps avoid risk, not make mistakes. but part of the beauty of life is the ability to make mistakes, and for communities to safeguard and protect us if and when we invariably do, surely getting it wrong is part of getting it right. we better -- youth groups, drop-in centers and places where you can see specialists, get guidance. i'm going to end on a quote. we should always begin by asking, what are we educating for? what sort of people are we expecting to produce? what sort of society do we envision. this is an extremely complex issue, not one that can be solved in a year. this is why aargue to oppose this motion. thank you. [applause]

>> just before we take -- thank you very much indeed for that speech of opposition. the next speaker, i'd like to welcome the alreadiable gentleman, the leader of the liberal democrats, now, i think into this 30th year in the house of commons. please welcome, simon noone. thank you for your support for the youth parliament. i'm out in looking for a male speak are if possible from wales. yes, the two-hander himself. >> mark from north wales. i want to just mention the fact that most of the issues debated here in the house today can fit under this curriculum for life. without the knowledge how we're supposed to try to strike change for these issues, like something i'm going to mention now is that we need to tackle the issue of bullying before we go and change

the law on march 2nd. [applause] >> thank you. now, colleagues, one category today that missed out a bit has been men from the east of england. there have been several women from the east of england. we haven't had a male figure from the east of england. we'll take this gentleman here. indeed. thank you. >> alex from east of england. we in hop shire have consultation with our constituency and one of the big things that came out was the lack of provision in the curriculum for the rest of our lives. nyps are forced to become exam factories where we get pushed into exam after exam after exam, we look from one modual and the next modual and the next modual. we don't focus on the things that matter in our live, the things we need when we get out

of school. it's all well and good coming out without hesitation but if we can't do anything else in our life what good are we as actual human beings. the foundation of this motion is that, frankly, we are human beings, and we need the rest of our life. not just the curriculum that is currently in place. this is why are urge all of you to please vote for a curriculum for all of our life. >> who with hey got from yorkshire? the woman in black. >> thank you. >> in the back row. thank you. >> my name is emily and i am from north yorkshire. what i think we need to focus on when we are looking for a campaign is something that is going to help is achieve our amibition and our amibition is to give each and every person the opportunity to take ahold of

those opportunities being provided to them and make sure they can get them for themselves. i think it's really important we make sure everybody is given these skills. now, as we heard, not everybody has the same family background or the same kind of surrounding in the community they live in one thing we can agree on is a great education system in this country and a way to reach out to every single young person in this country and say, this is how you get the respect you're looking for, the opportunities you're looking for, the chance to be heard, the chance to make yourself heard in a way that is going mean that more people will listen and you support you. you can do that through the education system, therefore a curriculum that prepares us for life is far better than any other method and should be our national campaign. [applause] >> thank you for that very eloquent speech. have we got a speaker from northern ireland? yes, indeed. thank you. >> thank you, mr. speaker. and my name is -- i'm from

belfast in northern ireland. i know that a curriculum for life is essential for young people in the uk. and i know this because i had the honor of taking part in the youth assembly, and the two recommendations that came out of that was an interfaith dialogue and a curriculum for life for all young people of the world. so as you can see this is not just a uk issue. it's an issue for all young people across the globe. so, let the uk youth parliament lead the way. let young people lead the way because the decisions we make today with deal fine our lives. thank you. [applause] >> thank you. just before i look for a speaker from the northwest i want to welcome sir peter bottomly. the member of parliament from west -- thank you for your support of the youth parliament.

[applause] >> and his wife, have always been interested in youth issues and the concerns of young people and that is reflected again today and appreciate it. okays, somebody from the northwest. yes? the gentleman there waving with both hands. indeed, you, sir. >> yes. first of all, social cohesion, and before the riots, they were horrible. i don't think anybody -- what was the root of that? social cohesion. tension between people. we don't get along. this curriculum. we can learn to work together. education is our future. knowledge is power.

we want power or want to be weak? do you want to have knowledge or let light shine on what we are? [applause] >> what about the southwest. who have we got from the southwest trying to speak? what about the guy right at the end who is now looking around with his left hand right there in the air. wearing a read tie and now the only man standing. it is you, sir. >> thank you, mr. speaker i'm from the southwest. firstly, i'd like to fully endorse what the member from the southeast said. i think the importance of giving a curriculum for life prepares young field for getting on in the world. i think this is important for when young people get to university and apply for jobs js and for when young people learn the basics to vote for tax and many other things. what creates the disparity in the terms of the skills young

people have in order to succeed in the world. in my town there are two schools, one of them is a state cool and one is a private school. in the state school, there are four times as many people and we get a-level result from the private schools. the private school gets twice as many university students and that is not fair, and i think something really needs needs toe done about this. [applause] >> trying to speak from the east midlands. who have we got from the east midland? what about the woman in the corner of the chamber. thank you. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i'm alissa from east midland. now, a curriculum for life, i intend to spend most of my life in work, and a curriculum for life would be a great achievement for us all and help us all in social areas and

teenage pregnancy might go down. i have an experience of work, provided we'll spend most of our life doing. so surely isn't that one of the most important issues we can work on? [applause] >> what about a speaker we have not yet heard from, from london. who have we got from london? somebody who has not spoken before. you spoke with great force and eloquence but your very memorable. i remember your speech. you have definitely spoken. >> i'm miya from london. i personally believe this is more of a regional matter than anything else. like in my opinion, the constituency sunday that want to dwelling on this matter can do a as they please. it would be a good attempt to tackle small -- indirect youth issues which is what i feel we should be trying to do before

tackling more, liker into mediate problems like wages. meanwhile, this motion, unlike others we have explored today, is the most realistic of all our motions. the most realistic and most achievable. within a year's pass of time and funding although i feel this is the most realistic i maintain convinced this should become our national priority. thank you. >> okay. have we got anybody from wales? still trying to speak? okay. what about the guy right at the end on the front bench? thank you. >> thank you, mr. speaker. my name is adam,. first off, i want to ask a conference on wednesday all about the topic. the people we sat around the table with directly told me that they wanted a -- this sort of topic would be controlled and

best for everybody if it was a national sentiment if everybody was to be learning the same thing. that way someone won't be learning one thing about sex education and another might be learning about everything differently. i ask people for examples, only a third of the people in that room put up their hand and said they knew what it was. so, two lead persons who were opposing this motion, as i've said directly, i did speak to them and speak with my constituency and came back and said they would like it, the national priority, and they believe a, as you put is, guide for life would help people. we don't get born knowing exactly what things are, and it's up to member to tell us how

to do it. and if it was set out, the same thing for everybody, then i think there would be less problems in this society. thank you. >> okay. we've not yet had a speaker from the northeast. who have we got from the northeast? i'm going to suggest that the woman at the back there with the black jacket and red dress. yes. >> mr. speaker, i'm from newcastle. i want to highlight the support, and we want to introduce political education. believe this would be a brilliant stepping stone to reach our goal, as is the argument of young people we have already seen. this would solve issues. second of all i think education is something that affects every single you can person. not the minority, not the majority, but absolutely

everybody in the uk. >> who is waiting from yorkshire? this man looks as though he is about to explode if he doesn't get called and i don't want there to be an explosion in the chamber. [applause] >> thank you for your patience. we now look forward to hearing you've. >> mr. speaker. as the opposing said, it's a guide. we all deserve a guide. point you in the right direction. the state is not here to parent our children, the parents are. as people have said, it's the beginning. we have five points here and members who couldn't quite make here today, spent hours deliberating, focusing, trying to find the most important points. an education system that prepares you for life is the beginning, a lighting of a fuse

that can start a boom of advancements and become a better old generation and replace with equally bright and wonderful wine. [applause] >> what about -- let me see -- the southwest. who have we got from the southwest? yes. okay. the woman with the black and white sirte -- the black and white dress who is waving at me. >> i'm from the southwest. a curriculum for life, every person hits an age where they're expected to take -- payments, mortgages, household bills and have money to provide for themselves. how can we do that? we do not have the time and not in the economic state to be able to do so. therefore, we need to have advice, skills, until we're able

to help lead the country from other people who made the same mistakes and a curriculum for life would be crucial for our generation to succeed. thank you. >> those remaining wanting to speak from the east midlands. the gentleman here waving his hand front the east midlands. >> i just -- just like to follow on from what the nyp mentioned earlier about education prepares us for the rest of our years not just relationships and sex. has anybody ever heard of -- stems? raise your hand. stands for science, technology, engineering and math, and these are the jobs which are going to be around in the future. actual he the key jobs of the new jersey economy and we should all go to our local councils,

our partner organizations, and we're trying to incorporate the significance of stem within schools and colleges around the city, and i challenge every single youth parliament member here today to go away to your cities and councils and partner organizations and try to encourage them to incorporate the significance of stem program within your schools and colleges and come back next year and share with us what you found. these are the jobs of the knowledge economy. >> now, i'm looking for a london woman. a london woman who has not spoken before. have you spoken before? you did. i think it wouldn't be fair to others. i thought you had spoken earlier. this woman is going to fall off her seat and i want to see that. that would be a sadness.

>> i'm -- thank you, mr. speaker. thank you. [applause] >> anybody here who knows today that i was desperate to pike about this? i was on bbc news and a woman told me i didn't deserve is because i -- i'm going to use that speakers on bbc so clearly she made no sense. [applause] [cheers and applause] >> reversely, i would just like to say i'm so happy that this is one of the top five issues. education is the fuel of knowledge, and knowledge is power. so by taking a stand and a more sustainable education we are essentially empowering young people. what we know and who who we are today relies heavily on education.

many young people today are major untillized by the current education system and completely shut off. can you blame them if they can't see the light at the end of the tunnel? the education system doesn't tell is why we need to use these put do multipliered. doesn't make any sense. young people are 100% of the future and so why are we not investing in what makes us who we are today? doesn't make any sense. decisionmakers, teachers and young people need to look at the education system, and in order to salvage the skill that can be transferred into work and other forms of life, we need to reform the education system, and we need to look at it because having an irrelevant education system can no longer have it. everyone in the london region knows it. my dad calls and stresses to me how important education is, and it upsets me, when he was in school he hated it.

he was depressed because the didn't understand why he would need these things so fell behind in lessons, wasn't keeping up. you look at the student and you think the -- my dad is an intelligent man but he didn't know how to use these things. he was being taught put didn't know why. and now he is a developer and one of the leading studios, works with beyoncé and cold play. [applause] >> but the struggles he had to go through to get was tough, and we need to cut that out. we need an education system that is concise and to the point so young people know how to use the skills they're going to learn today. thank you. [applause] >> i'm really sorry. this is the worst part of the day from all of our points of view but all good things have to

come to an end. i'd like to have everyone but we simply don't have time. happens every day in the chamber. thank you for coming. i have to call the windup speech because we have to stick to time but more words will be said in due course about the significance and sheer quality of this series of debates. i applaud each and every one of you, but i must ask now to conclude the debates from the northwest, please give a huge uk youth parliament welcome to miss jessica kolestrom. [cheers and applause] >> thank you, mr. speaker. young people leave school unprepared in several areas, from politics to culture diversity, finances and sexual relationships. young people deserve better. we need to know about these issues to be prepared for adult life.

but how do we make this a reality? do we want these life skills developed in school? some of you have questioned whether this is the parent's' responsibility instead. many more of you may have recalled frankly inadequate citizenship education. these lessons can seem irrelevant. most young people are decades off getting on the housing. in other cases education on these topics cannot reflect young people's different needs. take less than 15-year-olds. for some it may well be useful. but for others its embarrassing, pointless, or could come too late. our education system is driven by exam results which are essential for your future careers. use woo young people choose to study life skill tet expense of academic subjects? representative for the young people in each of our areas. is it actually something they

would want or something we think they need? and honestly, we have heard the right now young people having to carry -- what school you're at determines what life skills, if any, you're taught. too many young people are left behind. a national curriculum means it would be taught in every school and reach the greatest number of young people. so let's ask ourselves, is this a realistic campaign for the coming year? if we pick this campaign there would be challenges. the trend in education currently is a greater freedom for schools and a smaller national curriculum. psag citizenship, and covers many life skills, has been dropped. despite this, some would argue this is the ideal time to launch this campaign, as we are looking at the biggest changes to education in a generation -- [applause]

-- the whole school system is rearranged, the spire exam system overhauledful this is a small change in comparison. if we chose to campaign on this issue we could transform the lives of every young person in the country. we cannot ignore the real world issues as politics, cultural diversity, finances, and sexual relationships, but we can demand an education which leaves us informed on these issues, prepared on these issues, and heard on these issues. this -- this campaign is all or nothing. either we will end with an effective education for life or the issue will by swept under the carpet. are we willing to risk it? [cheers and applause] [cheers and applause]

>> jessica, thank you for wrapping up the debate in such style. that concludes the debates for today. we now need to be clear about the next step for the remainder of our proceedings. the youth parliament will now divide to vote on which of the five subjects debated today to select as its national campaign issues. those of you on my right, my right, should leave the chamber by the door behind me. and turn left into the lobby behind you. those on my left should leave by the doors at the far end and turn left into the no lobby

behind you. that way. out the back, into the left in the lobby you will be given ballot papers with the five debates on separate colored papers. you should place a cross in the box next to the sum you'd like to vote for on the ballot paper and hand the completed ballot papers to the doorkeepers in the lobbies. afterwards, please return to your place in the chamber. members of house of commons staff will be on hand to assist you. the division lobbies are now open. order. [inaudible conversations]

>> order. order. i now have the results of the votes. >> ooh! [applause] >> now, in a spirit of transparency, i shall read out the figures. public transport, 23 votes. [applause] getting ready for work. 46 votes. [applause] marriage for all. 22 votes. [applause] and equal national minimum wage

for all, 50 votes. [applause] a curriculum to prepare us for life. 1 -- [cheers and applause] >> as someone used to say, i've started so i'll finish -- 154 votes. and you might be interested, colleagues, to know the totals include text votes from those who, on account of weather, were unable to attend today. [cheers and applause]

>> i think it's been a fantastic day. i begin, if i may, by asking you two questions. have you enjoyed it? >> yes! >> did you think -- did you think it was worthwhile? >> yes! >> are you agreed that the uk youth parliament should carry on doing it? [cheers and applause] >> well, i think i've got my answer. i've heard it. my colleagues in the house will have heard and it the outside world will have heard it, too. i'm absolutely delighted by today's proceedings, and let me just say for the benefit of those who have not been before,

what i said to the debate leads at the start of the day, train entered the speaker's house with the leader of the house, and the children's minister, so far as i'm concerned it's not just a matter of dutiy. it is my duty to be here to welcome you, to chair our proceedings, in the house of commons, whose servant i am, has judged rightly in my view, you should come here each year to debate your issues, and the speaker, frankly, should therefore be present. i played a very simple view because i don't think it's a very complicated matter, that if my parliamentary colleagues and i want to be respected by young people, we should show our respect for young people. respect is a two-way street.

[cheers and applause] >> the second reason why i'm so delighted to be here and that you have had such a good day, is that aside from the question of duty and protocol, and my obligations to the house, this is a matter in my heart as well as in my head. it's something i feel passionately about. i voted as a back bencher at the time. yes to the proposition that the uk youth parliament should be able to meet and debate its issues, and i believe passionately in the merits, the contributions, and the future of the uk youth parliament and that's why, in addition to feeling suffused with pride and excitement at chairing the proceedings of the parliament

here in the chamber each year, i make it my business to go to your annual general meeting as well each year. i will keep coming if i'm asked. i don't wish to visit if i'm not welcomed, but if i keep being invited i would always regard it as a priority to ensure it's in my diary that i am present wherever in the uk your annual general meeting takes place. i didn't ask this to be checked before but if memory serves me correctly in 2009, the annual general meeting was in canterbury, in 2010 it was in ulster. i think last year it was in leeds. and i attended in july of this year, and i was -- the mag enough sense of the occasion that the geography -- slipped my

mind dish nottingham, and nottingham is a very, very important part of the east midlands. we must not forget nottingham. i promise never again to forget it was in nottingham. [applause] >> and i hope that the two members who are still here, and thank you for staying as long as you have, and angela what who was with us and spoke with passion as well as andrew and ed earlier, will agree that the quality of the debate really was very, very, very striking. i guess it's inevitable that the more often you meet, the more committed the parliament becomes, the greater level of interest, the more research, the stronger the contributions, the more passionate the speeches, and today i really did think it was very impressive performance, and you have chosen your

subject, not us, chosen by you to be power premiere campaign issue of the year. i want in drawing the proceedings to a close, to say a huge thank you to all who have facilitated today's proceedings. the british youth council deserves thanks and appreciation for everything they do in support. [applause] >> of the uk youth parliament, -- and i am deliberately not naming names. there were a lot of people involved and they know who they are and they've done a fantastic job and we thank them. within the house of commons there are huge numbers of people who have been involved. the sergeant at arms has played a lead role. the head of equality has played a key role. the principle door keeper and his team have played a key role.

and there have been a fantastic team, i hope you will agree, of clerks at the tables, helping me to help you, and one of the features of this year, i'm sure they won't mind my pointing out -- is that i've developed a scheme recently to give greater opportunities for the middle ranking clerks, the stars of the service, to serve at the table in the chamber in front of me. people who might otherwise be five or even ten years off service at the table, which is traditionally been for only the very most senior class, and the very most senior clerks are, if i might politely say heavily male dominated but today we have heat lots of women, and they all, men and women, have done a fantastic job advising me. [applause]

>> i've also been assist it by my secretary, peter baris, and by ian on my left here. they have done great jobs here. so thank you everyone. i want the last word or words to go to the children's minister. and i don't want to embarrass him but i've known edward since he came into the house in 2008, and this is a man who is passionate about youth, about engagement, about the interests of children and young people. it's written into this dna, not just as a politic but as a human being. his whole family have got a track record on issues of caring, on fostering, helping very e very disadvantaged young people, and i was personally thrilled to bit ford edward when he got the job as children's minister. it really is an absolutely obvious fit. so, colleagues, members of the youth parliament, from wherever

you come, whenever your political views, whether you have a party affiliation or not, whatever it is, please give a youth parliament welcome to edward. [cheers and applause] >> well, mr. speaker, thank you very much for that very warm welcome. and i suppose it's really to follow that. there have been a recount, so i think we need to move on and think about what this debate has achieved for everybody here, including myself, and my other colleagues who have taken the opportunity to hear and listen to much of the fantastic and excellent words that have ben spoken. thank the leader of the house and also his opposite number, sincere words of support for the uk youth parliament. membered of the youth parliament. i have two confessions.

confession number one. this is the first time that i've seen uk youth parliament in action. but i have to say, it has been a hugely humbling experience, and i have to say also left me feeling a little inadequate. because you can't fail to be impress bid the quality of debate here today. we witnessed honesty, frankness, and dignity, displayed in caller and deeply knowledgeable speeches. there were a real testament to the talent of young people here and elsewhere in our country. we felt a little love. in the chamber today. we have seen better fashion on display. we have been told to take a good look in the mirror at ourselves, also had a rallying call to work for something else which will not be a slogan of my next

election campaign. [applause] >> mr. speaker, we have had energy, eloquence, passion, in abundance, so i want to pay tribute to all of you who have taken part in today's debates. we even have booms and almost have explosions. metaphorically speaking, of course, i don't want to get myself into trouble. so where l you contributed in relations to the debate on transport, marriage, education, employment, or the curriculum, you tested and you have challenged my values, my views, and all of those around you. now, mr. speak are, i said i had another confession. as a teenager, unlike many in the chamber today, was fascinated by politics. so much so that i proudly

produced my very own pac of top trump cards. which i called, oddly enough, the house of cards. [applause] >> you've not seen it. on the cards i was rating mps by the size of the majority, their speaking ability and, yes, their looks. sadly, mr. speaker, neither of you were featured. that was before your parliamentary days. but despite my best efforts, the patent to market them, i still have every single pack at home to this day. >> ah! >> 80 bucks. >> i thick they might be on ebay tomorrow. but little did i know that small park of political enthusiasm and

interest would end up 20 years later with me taking my seat on these green benches. but members of the youth parliament, you've made it quicker than i have. and i hope the short but significant time you spent here today, and i guess what we could call the real jungle, has not put you off wanting to take your interest in politics a step, possibly many steps, further. now, i know my predecessor, who has been here today, and was and is a huge supporter of the youth parliament and its work under the british youth council, wants to continue with that commit, and i join him in doing that. because we both want to make sure that the voices of young people are truly heard in shaping the decisions and services that affect our lives. now, it's almost a year since the publication of politics of youth. the first cross-government strategy for young people.

and it was developed with and for young people. it's a vision that brings together in one place everything we're doing to support young people, age 13 to 19, especially those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable. and you in the youth parliament have been some of its most passionate champions and are playing a really important role in making positive for youth a reality. and the challenge now is to imbed its vision in all that we do across government. and i'll be marking the strategy of the one-year on from post with a series of visits and by publishing an appraisal what we have achieved so far and we can build on the good work by highlighting it and making further progress that involves young people in decisionmaking, and it has to be said the british youth council has set the pace admirably, reflected be the huge number of young people we heard from today, quarter

million young people who voted in the campaign to select the issues debated here today and congratulations to the campaign that won on very close fight but nonetheless won handsomely. so i'm pleased to announce we'll be continuing to fund the work for the british youth council for the next two years to help sustain the fantastic work of the youth parliament, and provide support for the uk k ambassadors program. [cheers and applause] >> i think there can be no better sign of how seriously the government is taking the issue of youth democracy than for young people to be on those forums where they can question and influence key decisionmakers, including my myself, and if today's level of debate is nothing go by i have a expectation that input will have an impact and i know the department of transport will be

making a response to the report in january and will we taking it seriously because it's an excellent report. mr. speaker, sadly, we know young people are still all too easily demonized and written off in our society. but i would challenge anyone present here today, or watching from elsewhere, not to leave feeling seriously impressed and optimistic about young people and the contribution they're making to our society and to our future. i feel a new pack of top trumps on the horizon. [cheers and applause] >> edward, thank you for your presence, all you have done, for what you are doing and what you said to us today, which will remain in people's mines i'm sure for a long time to come. i was teasing you.

i was teasing you just a tad when i said that edward had the last word, because the very last words to be heard in this chamber today are to come from a representative of the southwest of england, please give a last welcome to charlie finch. [cheers and applause] >> thank you, mr. speaker. it would be a privilege to see once again u k's parliament making history by debate hearing in the house of commons. every one. is it privileged to sit on the green benches and speak out in behalf of young people. every single person has passion and energy, showing once again we as young people do care about society as we have to change the nation so well done. and progress has taken place behind the scenes, making this event possible.

i feel i can speak for us all when i say we have had a truly amazing day and will be an experience we will never forget. thank you for all your hard work. [applause] >> there's a reason that we're here today. so i think needs to be said to every one of you. however, special thank you and well done needs to be said to those who weren't able to be here today but worked hard in their areas to make sure young people's voices were heard. [applause] >> our attendance today would not be possible without or coordinators who brought it here's today and it continue to support us in our roles in the youth parliament as we carry out local projects. i say thanks to a fantastic group that ensures the

parliament event will be around, no matter how big or small the problem is. they understand how important the youth parliament is to young people around the uk. thank you. [applause] >> to the byc staff, and everything they have done, if not for them we wouldn't have these parliaments. the commons staff for their great hospitality. and special thanks to you, mr. speaker, for this amazing day that i will remember for the rest of my life. [cheers and applause] >> and finally, i'd like to thank a quarter million young people who voted on our ballots. together we have demonstrated

the future is important for young people and our voice is important and one that should be heard. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> order. order. [cheers and applause] >> in this week's prime minister's questions the british prime minister answered questions about the plan ode withdrawal overcrops from afghanistan, immigration policy and cuts to the national service

budget. sunday night, here on c-span2. >> coming up next, a memorial service for senator dan all inouye at washington national cathedral. then the u cozy are youth parliament holds its annual debate at the british house of commons. the alliance for health reform hosts a discussion on increasing the eligibility age for medicare >> when i first came to washington in 1968 as a staff member to a democrat, bill palmer, one of the things they do on thursday night, they'd play gin rummy in the capitol and my job was to pour the cheap bourbon light the cigars and there was camaraderie, and john made the point many times, when you have had dinner with

somebody or friends with somebody and you go out with your families, your less left-hand side to cut their throat politically. >> and then jack kemp became the ranking member, and jack and i used to go out and have meals together and talk football half the time, and then budgets, and even though we disagreed significantly on almost everything, we learned to like each other. he was not evil and i was not evil. pre the problem you got now is people think that the guy on the other side or the gal on the other side is pure evil and my job is to blow them up. >> monday, former members of congress look at how the lack of across the aisle friendships have changed capitol hill for the worst. at 10:00 p.m. eastern, continuing four days of american history tv right through christmas day on c-span3. >> president obama, vice president biden, and former president bill clinton spoke at the memorial services for the late hawaii senator, daniel

inouye today at the washington national cathedral in washington, dc. senator inouye died on monday at the age of 88 and was the second longest serving senator in history. this is an hour and 45 minutes. ♪ [inaudible] ♪

>> i am resurrection and i am life, says the lord. whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though he died. and everyone who has life and has committed himself to me in faith, shall not die forever. as for me, i know that my redeemer lives. and that at the last he will stand upon the earth, after my awakening he will raise me up and in my body i shall see god. i, myself, shall see and my buys behold him who is my friend, and not a stranger. for up in of us has life in himself and none becomes his own master when we die.

for if we have life, we are alive in the lord, and if we die, we die in the lord. so, then, whether we live or die, we are the lord's possessions. happy from now on are those who die in the lord. so it is said the spirit, for they rest from their labors. ...

>> is enough washington national cathedral the bishop of washington, who welcomed me to the service celebrating remarkable life of senator daniel inouye. washington national cathedral serves the nation in times of celebration and sorrow. today's event combines a mixture of both. it is their great privilege to listen to in so many to englishwomen in an gathered today to say goodbye to a great theater and public servant. we all come together today from a variety of these traditions or

wherever you are and wherever you find yourself on a journey of faith, we hope you will fully join in as we listen and sing in very in thanksgiving and remembrance for this extraordinary and. he's not ♪ ♪

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god of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother, dan l. and thank you forgiving him to as, his family and friends to know what to do as a companion art poker bash. their boundless compassion, console us furthermore. give us the end eternal life. so then a quiet confidence, we may continue our course on earth so by your code we are reunited with those who have gone before and jesus christ our lord. amen. >> are reading from lamentations. the steadfast love of the lord never ceases.

his mercies never come to an end. they are in you, great is your faithfulness. the lord is my portion size mysore, therefore i will hope in him. the lord is good to those who wait for him to the soul that seeks then. it is good that we should wait quietly for the salvation of the lord. for the lord will not reject forever. although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love. for he is just not willingly afflict or grieve anyone. the word of the lord. >> thanks be to god.

>> irene, canny, members of the inouye family, all of this express our deepest condolences for this greatest american. president obama, vice president

biden, president clinton, distinguished members of the congress, others who have gathered here to honor the legacy that daniel k. trained to. this morning we celebrate the wall purpose life of a patriot, an american teacher it, a life defined by curt h.,-based surveys, country, sacrifice for others. soldier, senator, statesman, but down deep recent pastry at an enormous result in all. this is a compelling story of what it means to be an american. dan inouye had a profound impact in so many lives, including nine. his extraordinary accomplishments are the stuff of legend. battle tested in world war ii,

despite severe winds prevailed in combat, recipients of our nation's highest award for valor, the medal of honor. distinguished senator from hawaii, president pro tem of the senate. his life also exemplified the qualities most revered by his community. humility, respect for others, standing on principles that matter. all a common service to community, a modest man who has asserted in doing what was straight. when america was plunged into the crucible of world war ii, nowhere was the attack on pearl harbor mark keenly felt than in the japanese-american community. it's difficult today to recall the full intensity of fear,

confusion, suspicion, a recrimination, even hatred that emerged in the days and weeks and months following the surprise attack 71 years ago. despite the clear injustice and addicting and relocating so many of the japanese community from the second generation americans and history demanded the right to defend this country in time of war like other american citizens into our country's credit, their voices were heard, beating to the creation of on the cnn commanding officers, courage, prowess in battle, trust in one another in determination meet these units

legendary. the hundredth of the hundred and from terry battalion before regimental combat team, the military intelligence services, mis. these are not just good unit were unique because of ethnic homogeneity. they were premier fighting units among the best in u.s. history. soldiers of the 442nd regimental combat team search with such distinction that 21 of them were awarded the medal of honor. nor the regiment in u.s. army history has this distinction given site assembling the service. their legacy is the drumbeat of loyalty, of courage, honor, dedication and sacrifice. dan inouye served in the 442nd nesson infantrymen, and listing in 1943 at age 18. within a year, he was promoted to sergeant.

this reform is such a battlefield mission of second lieutenant in 1944 at age 20. less than a year later, while leading his platoon in an attack on enemy machine-gun positions to me he was grievously wounded and permanently disabled. his actions and 21 april 1945 inside 10 so, it'll be was a tiring example of strength, stamina, courage and determination. for which he received one of the 21 bottles of honor awarded to soldiers. tm inouye another veterans return to war, having achieved something monumental come to something as we say themselves. they since they had earned the right to take larger roles in their communities. they also came home tolerant different down there, a

sentiment toward the head experience after pearl harbor, but mark keenly felt after the horrors they were used in liberating dachau. and they understood the importance of good citizenship, of fair play, hard work, respect for others and for our flag. i have relatives who like dan inouye served in these units, characteristic of the mall was rarely if ever speaking about what they had done in the war and from then, my generation learned to find virtue in humility inevitability of hard work and the value of family and the confidence that we in america could achieve anything. they taught us to hope and to dream. and then to do something about

it. 10 service of the citizens will ship of all americans japanese ancestry. that is the legacy he and his generation equates to me and mine that influence the way i was able to lift her life. i would never of had the opportunity to service the chief of staff of our army had he any others not purchase that for me in blood, my birthright to come peacefully without any question about my loyalty. this morning i salute a friend who is more than her work in battle, more than strong enough and enduring the terrible with the four, more than determined in overcoming injustice and more than generous in sharing his enormous gifts with me and with others. dan inouye in this legendary and

sacrifice so much to give the opportunities we have. there is great comfort that for me and these reminders as we often say, we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and i have had the broadest of shoulders to stand on. aloha, senator, is aloha and the hollow. thank you.

>> mr. president, mr. vice president, lovely irene, as tragic events in recent days madness office would d'este said, it comes to us in a plane crash takes money from us, abb drones, cancer deprives us of a sibling or friend. automobile accident still so it showed. lives are cut short, nutrients

are denied. often that is so troubling. we ask why, why him? why her? why now. and although i wish i could answer those questions with authority, often the why of death is a mystery. but in the case of senator daniel inouye, there is no mystery and although there is sadness, there is no regret. ecclesiasticus third chapter, second verse tells us to everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under heaven, a time to be born and a time to die. it was daniel inouye's time. senator inouye lived a full and

project device. he was 80 eight years old when he died and he lived each of those years to its fullest. he was a war hero, a decorated soldier left the innocence of youth, most of his right arm on italian battlefield where he defended our nation's freedom, even as the nation questioned the loyalty of pastry at who look like him. he was a healing hero, example of the resilience of the human body and humans. his resolve to live a life of service was heartened and not broken by 21 months spent recovering from his hood and an army hospital in michigan. he was a legislative hero, progressive democrat with republican colleagues for the good of his country.

in 1968, when the country was striven by racism and divided by war, he called the nation's mayors than eloquent keynote address before the democratic national convention in chicago. daniel inouye advocated for the rights of all americans regardless of the color of their skin but for what the religion was, he was the first chairman on intelligence. he served a distinction is chairman of the commerce committee and the appropriations committee. during the indian affairs committee he turned into quite committing to a powerful voice for native populations across this great country. remarkably dan served more than 34 years with his best friend, elite republican senator, ted stevens of alaska on the defensive perp rations to committee.

their friendship is close working relationship stands as an example of the remarkable things to senators can accomplish when they set political party aside. to gather where a formidable force in support of the nation's fighting men and women working to ensure soldiers, sailor, airman, marine and guardsmen at the best trained and best equipped at peace in times of work. senator inouye also served as member of the watergate committee and is chairman of a special committee investigating the iran-contra affair. whenever there is a difficult job to do, whenever we needed a noble man, a noble man to lean on, we always turn to senator daniel inouye. it should come as no surprise that danny died if he lived with great dignity. this is no urban legend.

dr. weinand, capitol physician said he watched people die, but never with such dignity. his lovely wife talked about what it meant. chaplain black, security officers who were there with them. minutes before he passed away, before he died, he shut the hands of friends and crest the family who surrounded him. he thinks the dock or is connecting to the nurses for their care and attention. he thanked his security detail for their careful protection over the years. dan inouye wrote notes detailing his last wishes minutes before he passed away, working until mere moments before his death. he told his wife, irene, that he

would appreciate me speaking before you today, a gesture that touched my heart more than worse than i can express. then he said aloha and quietly joined the lord. he faked deaths many times. he would often tell us, told me on many occasions that during his life he had just been lucky. he always said just lucky. but being inouye wasn't lucky. he was a blessed man. he had worked to do among us any state until the work was done. as were also told on ecclesiastes, this is time to every purpose and this was senator inouye's time. the 21st bond asks, who may have found about and the lord, who may stand in his holy place. questions answered the one who has clean hands and a pure

heart. that is daniel inouye, a man with a pure heart, a man with clean hands. during the 1968 convention i just talked about, dan taught the nation that aloha is not just hello, not just goodbye, but it also means i love you. aloha withstands last word on earth. sorry to say to my friend coming danny, aloha, i love you and goodbye until we meet again. these not

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♪ >> irene, ken, mr. president, mr. vice president. you america has just been through some very painful days and mr. president, were all grateful for giving voice as you have two or agony. senator reid has said so eloquently, dan inouye lives a

full, long life and so it is our great honor to come here to celebrate it. i am grateful that so many of his colleagues in the senate on both parties, leaders and members of the house and administration and especially members of the diplomatic corps has come because i hope ms sure service we can capture character and contribution of one of the most remarkable american i have ever known. you know, it is difficult to be in politics and be courageous without being sanctimonious. it is difficult to be a gallant man in politics without seeming

pompous. and it is difficult to constantly reach out for common ground without wondering if you left your principles behind. but dan inouye did all this and more. those of us who knew him can be grateful for so many thing. for hillary and me he was first and foremost a friend, an adviser, something that both of us will cherish forever. i thought i knew a little bit about hawaii when i carried the state twice in iowa that one day and he said, you know, you have a paid no attention to the okinawans. they have a very distinct

community here. and i said was senator, what to think i should do about it? he said i know what you are going to do about it. they are having a festival today and you were going into ours. and i did. ..

>> and we had to reorganize the intelligence services. the speech that he gave to the congo that harry referenced, people were riding in the streets. there was 739 telling us what we needed to know. i am so grateful to him for many things. that i had the chance to put around his neck the middle of honor that was given to him and 21 others almost 50 years to late to. my native state had to of

those japanese internment camps. i was grateful he never tired of sensing when the moment had come to say what needed to be said. of this. 10 years ago this spring come on the big island senator inouye gave a commencement speech, barely two years not quite after 9/11. and talked about the future of america and america is patriotism. a man who had given so much, his own patriotism could not be questioned questioned, said this. something we should all

remember and be grateful. >> patriotism is defined as love and devotion to country. it takes more courage to speak out against the government. govett labeouf country that compels some to speak out and oppose actions to question our leaders is that the essence of democracy. if we did not permit a dissenting view and those of our collective conscience, which longer would we have had slavery? the vietnam war dragging on? and japanese americans still be awaiting the draft? itoh mistakes made and suffering imposed on the japanese americans 60 years ago will not be repeated against arab-americans. their profile is drawn to resemble what the enemy looks like.

let's not repeat history. he was a wise, a good man. the reason he could be courageous without being sanctimonious, the reason he could be so generous and old fashioned without being pompous, the reason to be friends across the aisle when without sacrificing principles is because that is who he was. able%, united by his parts. they blew off his arm during world war ii but never laid a finger on his heart or his mind that he gave to us. 50 years.

and every single said the senate should celebrate. ♪ hist ♪ ♪

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♪ ♪ >> irene, patti comment senator, jessica, at ken. thank you for the honor to say a few words about a great man who befriended the throat my whole career.

-- me throughout my whole career. danny, i thought how every high point* and a low point in my career iran for the senate as a 29 year-old kid your father and brother was there for me for running an impossible race to being there when i did not want to come to the senate to knocking on my door to say if you run for president could ride the national chairmen? the impact he has had not just me but my family but jill and my two boys.

danny departure marks the end of panera. i generation of men and women who literally transformed america who helped to shape the world and it might view danny may have been the most unique, whole, robert e. bourse all could have been talking about daniel inouye men the world fear and throws down the gauntlet, to compromise with debt danny was a heroic figure. so many have referenced today and all that has been written about danny since he

passed. he had overcome prejudice over japanese americans as well as the right to fight for the country he loved. and he showed such extraordinary bell year and heroes them he was awarded the medal of honor. but i think his physical courage was matched by his moral courage. i don't know anybody else i could say that of. his physical courage was matched by his moral courage. danny demonstrated neither prejudice at home know enable its abroad would keep him from accomplishing his goal about was about defending his country or

making his country a better place. always a better place. he tackle the problem at home and the comments made in the rotunda and here today. as a young kid listening to do any is speech at the dnc seem to like it was the only voice of reason that broke through the god-awful cloud. but to stand there with such confidence and a servitude in the midst of what is going on. that it is self-evident how could anybody doubt to what he said?

as 36 years in the senate and any man or woman i ever served with i remember when the church committee when they were out of control i remember the discussion was who had the new committee? was no discussion. not so and so but daniel inouye. no discussion to the best of my recollection. when it came time to deal

with watergate a combination of daniel inouye and howard baker. the person with no discussion was daniel inouye. same with the iran-contra. why was it so self-evident? daniel inouye. the moral courage, of physical courage reinforced it but that was not the reason. nobody ever doubted that daniel inouye had such integrity at his corps that

any obligation thrust upon him with steadiness and objectivity and i cannot say that about anyone else. one of the great honors of my lifetime that i got to the senate you need evander the enough to serve with those so-called legends. significant portion are still there. but even among them daniel inouye possessed the intangible thing that every leader long list to possess.

that he would never waver what he thought was right. it is my privilege just to observe in some small way over the 36 years i served next to danny. his power and influence lay with his character. whenever man and woman has served with the uncompromising respect and admiration to say to my colleagues can you think of anyone who would ever ever question daniel inouye

integrity? even in the midst of the bitterness. especially and the congress -- congress over the last couple years. the interesting king was a man who was respected so to meet anyone who is both as respected and loved as much as daniel inouye. people thrown around the word love to easily these days. but they talk about love and danny, they meant it. in a way the average american thinks of love. i doubt there's anyone here

who served with daniel inouye one week before he passed away can you do this for me? i doubt a single man o' war woman would not say of course. i will. my mom used to have an expression. what is required to have a great character she would say joey, you are defined by your courage and redeemed by your loyalty. no person i have never served with no one had more physical warm moral courage would never exceeded his

loyalty something to be respected beyond family. is amaze seem like a strange thing to say, with the exception of my father few people i have ever looked at to say i wish i could be like that man. he is a better man than i am. that is how i would look at danny. i told him so. he told me my judgment was flawed. [laughter] the truth of the matter is the highest compliment the

man or woman can give to another is to say to their children do you see that man? a fat woman? not a single character trait they have that i do not wish for you. over 35 years ago i told that to my son's. i meant it then. and i mean it now. that is why my son's called me separately when they heard of his passing. they do that to he knew them. think of that. how to portend it is to say

not just that i knew daniel inouye, i he knew me. one of the treasures of their life. daniel inouye new me. it mattered then and it matters now. his passing marks the end of the era. one of the greatest leaders of the greatest generation and demand everyone will mess and told us about ourselves before we even met him.

every tear from his side. crying and pain will be no more. for the first things have passed away. though blind seated on the throne said i am making all things new. also he said these words are trustworthy and true. then he said it is done. i am the alpha and the omega. the beginning and the end. i will give of water as a gift from the spring of life those to conquer will inherit these things and i will be their god and they will be my children. the word of the lord.

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♪ >> irene, ken, jennifer, friends and former colleagues, it is an extraordinary honor to be with you in this mechanism place to pay tribute to man who would be wondering what all the fuss is about. this tuesday and was a day like any other this sun rose and it set to and the great

work of our democracy carried on. but in a fundamental sense it was different. the first day in many of our lives, certainly my own, the halls of the united states congress were not graced by the presence of daniel inouye danny was elected to the u.s. senate when i was two years old. he was elected to congress a couple years before i was born. he would remain my senator until i left hawaii for college.